Typewriter word counter



June 3, 1947. I H. CHASKEN 2321 632 TYPEWRITER wCRD COUNTER Filed Feb. 26, 1944 4 Sheets-$heet l 2? (ZS?- lg $1? June 3, 1942 H. QHASKIN 2,421,682

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TYPEWRITER WORD COUNTER Filed Feb. 26', 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet s 2a a i 5 ,4 16 Z] Z 10a .1

, INVENTOR. i? f/aroiaz (2 my? 3," 3947. HA$K|N TYPEWRITER WORD COUNTER Filed Feb. 26, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. (/zaaflfon iaraiai Patented June 3, 1947 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TYPEWRITER WORD COUNTER Harold Chaskin, New York, N. Y.

Application February 26, 1944, Serial No. 524,021

3 Claims.

This invention relates generally to typewriting machines and more particularly to means for automatically counting the number of words typed.

In many typewriting operations it is highly desirable to keep track of the number of words written. It is of course a very simple matter to provide a counter or register to be actuated either by the usual spacer bar or by a special counter key. The use of a special key however requires such an interference with the normal operating procedureas to render it impractical.

On the other hand extremely inaccurate results occur when using the spacer bar as the counter- Fig. 1 is a plan view of a keyboard section of a standard typewriting machine embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the plane of the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view showing various circuits.

actuator since the spacer bar is repeatedly used not only at the end of a word but also to provide additional spacing.

It is the object of my invention to provide mechanism for counting the number of words written and at the same time eliminate the foregoing objections.

I provide mechanism which can be coordinated with any type of machine and which will automatically count and register the words as written without any special attention to the spacer bar action and without requiring any special key.

To accomplish this I provide mechanism which automatically initiates action of the counter when any letter key is depressed to start a word. The counter then remains inactive and is not re-set until either the spacer bar is depressed at the end of the word, or in case the word ends at the end of a line and the spacer bar is not depressed until the line spacer lever is actuated to start a new line.

I also provide mechanism for preventing the accidental counting of the first part of a hyphenated word as a full word by making ineifectual the movement of the spacer bar immediately following a hyphen.

Mechanism is .also provided to complete the counting and the resetting of the parts in case the operator uses a dash character immediately following a finished word instead of striking the spacer bar. It will be seen that the ideal action depends upon the novel step of starting the counter whenever a word is started and completing the counter action and restoring it ready to count another word only when the mechanism is ready to start another word.

The counter mechanism is not shown in detail because any conventional type may be used. The invention relates to the actuating and control mechanism for any suitable machine and counter.

In the drawings,

Fig. 4 is a part plan and part diagrammatic view showing the chassis for the counter unit and relay elements.

Fig. 5 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of Fig. 4 with the cover removed.

Fig, 6 is a plan View of a portion of one end of the typewriting machine carriage showing one of the switching devices.

Fig. 7 is an elevational view looking from the right side of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an elevational view looking from the rear of Fig. 6.

My invention contemplates the use of a stand ard typewriter with a counter device which is electrically connected to a source of electromotive power, such as a house supply.

In Figs. 1 and 2, a fragment of a standard typewriter machine is shown comprising the front frame I which defines the space for the bank of character keys or keyboard. This keyboard is of the standard type consisting of an upper row of numerals and punctuation marks and three lower rows including letter keys 2.

Underneath the levers of the letter keys 2 and positioned in the path of movement of said levers is a pivotally mounted frame 3 which is stepped in formation, in cross section, to correspond to the stepped formation of the bank of key levers whereby upon movement of any of said letter keys said frame is moved downwardly.

It will be noted from Fig. 1 that this frame 3 does not extend under the furthermost three character keys on the right side of the lowermost row of keys, under the furthermost two character keys on the right side of the next higher row of keys, under the furthermost key on the right side of the next higher row of keys nor under any of the keys on the top row.

Under the frame 3 and in the path of movement thereof and centrally of the bank of keys is the movable contact of an electric switch 4, which switch is adapted to be closed by the engagement of said frame with its movable contact.

Another switch I9 is similarly positioned adjacent switch 4 and is adapted to be opened by depression of the frame 3.

Still another switch 1 is positioned underneath and in the path of movement of the lever of the character key and its movable contact is adapted to be actuated by said lever.

Under the lever of the hyphen key Ila is another switch H, the movable contact of which is adapted to be engaged by said lever upon movement thereof for operating the switch.

I also propose to open the circuit through the counter actuator by means of an electric switch actuated by movement of the line spacing lever 26 on the carriage. I have accordingly placed a switch 9 on a stationary part of said carriage, the movable contact of which is disposed in the path of movement of a lug 26a on said lever 26.

All of the foregoing switches are adapted to control various circuits which include the actuator for the counter device I6 which may be positioned on a support adjacent the support for the typewriter.

My present invention contemplates opening the circuit through the counter by means of an electric switch actuated by movement of the spacer bar of the typewriter. For this purpose a switch 8 is mounted directly underneath the spacer bar I4 with its movable contact in the path of movement of said bar so that as the bar is depressed after completion of a word, the movable contact will be moved to open circuit position.

The counter device I6 and associated parts are shown in Figs. 4 and 5 and may be mounted on a suitable chassis which supports a relay 5, a make and break switch 6, and spaced relays I0, Illa, II and I8. A solenoid I2 ispositioned adjacent switch 6 so that the arm I 3a of its plunger I3 is adapted to engage the counter actuating lever I5 of the counter I6.

A relay device I8 which is connected in circuit with the switches IT and I9 is also mounted on the chassis.

The main and auxiliary circuits for the various devices are shown in Fig. 3 and controlled as follows:

When the first letter of a word, for instance, the letter T of the word The is struck, it will depress the frame 3, which will move the movable contacts of switches 4 and I9, which are the make and break switches; respectively. However only the switch 4 has any effect upon the electrical circuits by this action and a circuit is closed through said switch from the right side of the line of the electromotive supply, said switch 4, the winding of relay 5, the movable contact and stationary contact of switch 6, to the left side of the line. 3, switch 4 is released but relay 5 remains energized by a circuit from the right side of the line through switches T, B and 9, the upper make contact of said relay 5, the winding of said relay 5, and through switch 6 to the left side of the line.

When relay 5 is thus energized, a circuit is closed from the right side of the line, switches I, 8 and 9, the next lower contact of said relay 5, and the winding of relay II, to the left side of the line.

With relay I I thus energized, a circuit is closed from the right side of the line through switches 7, 8 and 9, winding of relay I0, and upper contacts of relay II, to the left side of the line. With relay I'll operated, a circuit is closed from the right side of the line, the upper make contacts of relay I0, and the winding of solenoid l2 to the left side of the line. When solenoid I2 is thus energized it draws down its plunger I3 and arm I3a to depress the lever I5 of the counter I6. Since the make and break switch 6 is located directly beneath the lever I5 (Fig. 5), the switch 5 changes over to the make position. During this change over of switch 6, the relay 5 remains energized through current received from the right side of the line, through the upper make contact of said relay 5, the winding thereof, and the lower make contact of relay I0 to the left side of the line.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the depressing of the letter T of the word The causes relays 5, I0 and II to become energized and operate in that particular order followed by the operation of the solenoid I2. Any successive and subsequent strokes of the letters h and e to complete the word The have no effect on the circuits previously set up by the depressing of said letter T.

When the word The however has been completed by the depressing of the letter e after h, a space must be provided between said word The" and the next word to follow and this space is provided by depressing the space bar I4. When this spacer bar is moved downwardly it opens switch 8. This first releases relays 5 and II, then rela III and then solenoid l2. The counter has recorded the count of the word The and the counter mechanism has been reset preparatory to counting subsequent words.

Thus it will be seen that movement of the spacer bar I4 downwardly following movement of any letter key 2 will complet a word count, and cause the above cycle of operations to be accomplished. A sole movement of the spacer bar I4 without movement of a letter key 2 will have no Upon retraction of the frame effect since the solenoid I2, which controls the counting apparatus, does not become excited until the relay I 0 has first operated.

It is essential that the first part of a hyphenated word he not counted as a full word and in order to accomplish this the movement of the spacer bar must be made ineffectual if it takes place immediately following the movement of the hyphen key Ila. Movement of this latter key will move the movable contact member of switch I1 which is directly underneath and close said switch momentarily. Referring to Fig. 3, the circuit, through the switch, is closed from the left side of the line, through the switch I1, the winding of relay I8, and the break switch I 9, to the right side of the line. Relay I8 remains energized after switch I! becomes released by the return of the key. The circuit is then from the right side of the line, switch I9, and the winding and upper make contacts of relay I8 to the left side of the line.

The effect of the downward movement of the hyphen key Ila is thus to bring the relay I8 into the circuit. Any movement of the spacer bar, whether accidentally or not, will have no effect on the counter action, as the solenoid I2 will not be released as long as therelay I8 is in operated position. The circuit for the solenoid is then from the left side of the line, the winding of solenoid I2, the second or intermediate contact of relay II, and the second make contact of relay I8, to the right side of the line.

With the circuit thus set up, a downward movement of the spacer bar Il opening switch 8 will not cause relays 5 and III to release. They remain energized by current from the right side of the line, through contact of relay IIIa to relays 5 and ID, in the parallel circuits. Hence no counte actuation or indication of a completed word can take place when the hyphen relay I8 is operated. This is as it should be, as a hyphen appears in the body of a Word and it is not desirable to count one portion of a hyphenated word as a complete word.

It is also important that the count of the last word on a line be completed. It often happens that the typist fails to strike the spacer bar after such last word but instead returns the carriage and platen to a new line position. I have made provision for such a contingency. On a stationary part of the slidable carriage of the typewriter adjacent the line spacing lever 26 thereof is located the trip switch 9. This switch includes a stationary contact member 950 and a movable contact member 9' positioned in the path of movement of the lug 26a on lever 26.

When the last letter of the last word on the line has been struck and the typist fails to strike the spacer bar in order to complete the count of said word and restore the parts, movement of the carriage and platen to the left of the typewriter casing for new line position, which is done by the line spacing lever 26, will cause the projecting lug 26a to Wipe over the movable contact member 9 and open the switch 9 which will open the circuit of relay l and cause solenoid l2 to complete the cycle.

The circuit including this switch a (Fig, 3) is from the right side of line, switches I, 8 and 9, and through relays 5 and ID in parallel. The circuit for relay 5 is from the right side of the line, winding of relay 5, and switch 6 to the left side of the line.

Release of relay 5 cause relay H to release, the circuit for relay H being from the left side of the line, Winding of relay II, contact of relay 5, and switches 9, 8 and I to the right side of the line.

When relay l0 was released, in order for it to remain released, relay II had to be released also. Since this has been accomplished a described, relay I0 stays released. The circuit is from the right side of the line, switches 1, 8 and 9, Winding of relay l0, and uppe contact of relay I l, to the left side of the line.

With relay l0 released, solenoid I2 releases, the circuit being from the left side of the line, winding of solenoid l2, and upper contact of relay I0, to the right side of the line.

When the switch 9 is thus operated to com plete the count, subsequent movement of the spacer bar l4, without first moving a letter key will be ineffective to complete a count so that the end word cannot be counted more than once, since relays 5 and I0 are now unlocked and therefore solenoid I2 is not operative.

Certain typists enclose parenthetical or subordinate matter in parenthesis characters or between dash characters and in using dash characters for this purpose often print the dash immediately following the last letter of the previous word without leaving a space, My invention contemplates the use of dash characters for this purpose without using a space between the dash character and the last letter of the previous word, and provides mechanism for completing the count of said previous word upon movement of the dash character.

In carrying out this feature of my invention, it is contemplated that the upper case character of the 6 key M be used as the dash character. This can readily be done by shifting the keys for upper case writing by striking the Shift Key key and then by turning the platen slightly to bring said upper case character to midway the height of the letters and then striking said 5 key. Underneath said 5 key and in the path of its movement is a break switch I, which switch is in the circuit with relays 5 and [0. When the key 6 is moved downwardly, it engages the movable contact of switch 1 to open the same and thus break the circuit through the relays 5 and i5, releasing relay H and solenoid l2, permitting the counter lever to complete the count and returning the parts to normal condition preparatory to subsequent counting.

It will be seen from the foregoing that I have provided three methods of breaking the circuit through solenoid l2 in order to break the circuit for completing the counting action and restoring the various relay elements to normal positions.

One is by moving the spacer bar l4 downwardly to open switch 8. Another is by striking the dash key 7a and the third is by moving the line spacing lever 26 for tripping the switch 9. When the spacer bar is moved to complete the counting action, the switch 9 cannot be effective to complete the count and vice versa, when the switch 9 is operated, the spacer bar 14 cannot be effective. If all three were operated in succession, only one of them would be effective.

A pilot light 23, preferably red, may be mounted on the counter chassis for visibly indicating that the word is being counted and has been completed. This permits the typist to visualize an error in counting a word that should not be counted and is a warning that the error should be corrected which can be done manually by turning the hand screw (not shown) on the counter backwardly to erase the count of the word. When the first letter of a word is depressed the relays 5 and II are energized in that particular order and the current will flow from the right side of the line, through pilot light 23, the lower break contact of relay Hi, the third make contact of relay H, and the third make contact of relay 5, to the left side of the line. If the spacer bar is depressed it will cause the relay 5 to be released, which in turn releases relay I I thereby extinguishing the pilot light upon the completion of the count.

In case a, hyphenated word is being typed and the letter keys have been moved setting up the relays 5, I I, I0 and the solenoid I2 and the hyphen key lid is then struck and any one of the three aforesaid methods of breaking the circuit is accidentally used, I so arrange the pilot light 23 in circuit that said light will not go out, since the word has not been completed. The circuit for the pilot light is from the right side of the line, the light 23, the lower make contact of relay l8, and the lower make contacts of relays II and 5, to the left side of the line. The pilot light stays on because with the operation of the relay I 8, the locking circuit of this relay operates and the circuit effected through the second make contacts of relay ID, the second make contacts of relay II and the solenoid I2 does not permit the release of relay 5 and hence of relay ll, thereby maintaining the circuit for the pilot light. In the process of typing, if the relay "3 has been released by the operation of a letter key, the pilot light 23 will be extinguished by the operation of the spacer bar l4, and switch 9 or dash switch 1.

It will be noted that the only way to terminate the relay interlocking action of the hyphen relay I8 is by operation of a letter key which in depressing the frame 3 causes it to actuate the break switch l9 thereby opening the circuit through the relay l8.

The current for operating the mechanisms may be obtained from any suitable source by connecting a flexible conductor (not shown) to a plug device 22 on one side of the chassis of the counter. The other side of the chassis is provided with a 6- point outlet member 2! which may be connected by a flexible conductor (not shown) to a socket 2! suitably placed on the typewriter machine,

It will be understood that individual switches might be provided for each letter key instead of having a single frame .3 as shown.

I claim:

1. The. combination with a typewriting machine and a word counter device having a counting actuator, a source of electromotive force, main and auxiliary circuits connected thereto,

means actuated by the depression of any letter key of the machine to break one of said auxiliary circuits for moving said actuator to a position preparatory to registering the count, means for retaining the actuator inactive when subsequent letter keys are depressed and means subsequently actuated by the carriage of the machine for moving said actuator to complete the count including a switch device in another of said auxiliary circuits having a movable contact in the path of movement of the line spacing lever carried by said carriage.

2. Means for automatically operating a counting machine from a standard typewriting machine including a main line circuit and auxiliary circuits connected to said main line circuit, means controlled by certain of the typewriter keys for closing said circuits for moving a counting lever of the counting machine to a position preparatory to registering a count and a circuit breaker in one of said auxiliary circuits having a protruding movable member actuated by the line spacing lever of the typewriting machine for opening the main and auxiliary circuits whereby the counting lever is moved to register the count and whereby the parts are restored to normal condition.

3. The combination with a typewriting machine including letter keys and a line spacing lever, of a wordcounter mechanism including a counter actuator, a source of electromotive force, main and auxiliary circuits, means for closing one of said auxiliary circuits by the depression of a letter key whereby the counter actuator is moved to a position preparatory to registering the count and means for opening another of said auxiliary circuits whereby the actuator is moved to register the count and the parts are restored to normal condition, said latter means including a switch in said last mentioned auxiliary circuit having a movable member actuated by the line spacing lever of the typewriter machine.

HAROLD CHASKIN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 680,396 Rosenhain Aug. 13, 1901 2,288,014 Mullen et al. June 30, 1942 

